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We highly recommend that if you have previous claims history that you do not file a claim for a chip in the windshield.
Key points to remember:
-Generally speaking, windshield damage and repair is covered through comprehensive coverage. However, you will still be responsible to pay the deductible and it will count as a claim on your file.
-Comprehensive Insurance covers you from basically anything that is not a collision accident. It protects your car from damage not caused by another car, which many people refer to "acts of god".
-Some Insurance carriers offer "Full Glass Coverage" which will usually eliminate your need to pay a deductible, but it will still count as a claim on your file and you will be paying a much higher monthly/annual premium.
-Most preferred insurance carriers will non-renew (cancel) a client if they have 2-3 claims within a 3-5 year period.
-Generally speaking we would recommend that you "save" your claims for situations where the cost is much higher than that of a windshield repair or replacement.
So...Should you file a claim for a broken windshield or pay out of pocket?
Usually this comes down to the repair costs vs your deductible. For example, if you have a $500 deductible but the cost to replace the windshield is only $400, it is obviously better to simply pay for the repair out of pocket and avoid putting a claim on your file. Where it gets a little bit tricky is if the cost to repair is slightly more than the deductible. For example, if your deductible is $500 and the cost to replace the windshield is $750 it comes down to whether or not you want to have a claim on your file for the $250 difference in cost. We would normally recommend that small damages to be paid for out of pocket and avoid the claim altogether.
Please contact our office if you need to repair or fill a rock chip. We have relationships with glass companies and can guide you through the process as well as provide coupons for free/discounted rock chip repairs. If a full replacement is needed we can help guide you through the process and let you know the pros and cons of filing a claim with your insurance provider.